Hynes CC Scheduled for a Facelift
By Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 5/7/2007
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has earmarked $18 million for renovations at Boston's John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.
The authority has not set a date for the renovations, which will include new retail and restaurant space, although officials said all the work could be completed within two years and not interrupt any events planned for the Hynes.
The project, the first of its kind since the convention center was built in 1988, still must receive final approval from the Massachusetts governor and legislature.
The planned renovations follow a report in December by a special state legislative commission that concluded that the Hynes remains a viable convention and meetings facility, but must generate more revenue in order to reduce the subsidy provided by the state. The Hynes currently receives an annual operating subsidy of approximately $2.5 million from the state, down from nearly $10 million per year during the 1990s.
The additional retail and restaurant space should generate $1 million to $1.5 million per year in additional revenue, bringing the Hynes closer to the desired break-even point or even turning a profit. MCCA Executive Director Jim Rooney said the goal is to reach that point within five years.
The biggest effect on exhibitions and conventions may be a proposed upgrade of the Hynes' audio visual capabilities, possibly adding to the facility's appeal to high-tech and medical conferences. These will include improved wireless and cell service, visual information systems in common areas and a complete overhaul of audio systems.
Medical and high-tech events represent about a third of the events currently held at the Hynes (about 40 per year). Because of the higher per-attendee economic impact of these types of meetings, Rooney said he would like to see that number increase.
